The moment he heard his name called on Saturday, April 24, 2010, is day he’ll never forget.

A lifelong dream came true for Villa Rica native Chris McCoy, who was selected by the Miami Dolphins with the 212th pick in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.

But now that the anticipation and celebratory period has passed, the former Middle Tennessee State University standout said it’s time to go to work.

McCoy, a 2005 Villa Rica High School graduate, who led the Blue Raiders to their first Bowl appearance this past year — a 42-32 victory over Southern Mississippi in the New Orleans Bowl — attended the Dolphins’ rookie mini-camp last week and will begin OTAs (Organized Team Activities) on May 16.

And, thus far, everything has been going well for the imposing defender.

“There was probably like 36 of us there. Tryout guys, free agents and draft picks,” McCoy said of the rookie camp. “It went good. But I’ve got a long ways to go. But starting off, it went good for me.”

McCoy has already signed a contract, but he said the financial terms are still being worked out.